North Atlantic sightings survey 1989: report of the Spanish cruise

Abstract

This report presents the results of the Spanish cruise undertaken as part of the second North Atlantic Sightings Survey (NASS). Between 5 July and 9 August 1989, a total of 5,148 n.miles were covered in an area limited by 25°W, the European continental shelf and 42°N and 52°N. 3,345 nautical miles were steamed on effort along the predetermined trackline for about 337 hours. During the cruise 76 fin whale sightings of 118 animals were made. Another 90 sightings of unidentified rorquals (115 animals) were recorded. Sperm whales were sighted on 43 occasions (71 animals). Sightings of Ziphiicls, pilot whales and cetaceans belonging to several unidentified categories were also recorded. The fin and sperm whale patterns of distribution found in the area surveyed coincide with previous descriptions of their distribution over more restricted areas.